First Panel9.30 am – 12.30 Democracy, Media and Lobbyism
(Is political democracy as a “serious business” compatible with modern media, which increasingly determine the political agenda of each state? How influenced are democratic politicians by lobbying? Is the democratic process a hostage of money?)

Moderator: Tomáš Klvaňa, New York University in Prague

Panelists:Thomas E. Patterson , Harvard University, JFK School of GovernmentAllison Stanger ,Rohatyn Institute for International Affairs, USARichard Y. W. Yeoh , Transparency International, MalaysiaJosef Jařab , Palacky University, Olomouc, and former Chairman of the Media Committee of the Council of EuropeFarhad Kazemi , Politics Department, New York University

Second Panel
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Democracy, Globalization, and Multiculturalism
(Is democracy as a concept born in the nation state applicable on a global level? Is democracy in nation states threatened by the process of globalization? Which are the options for global governance? Has the concept of multiculturalism, based on collective rights of minority groups eroded democracy? Can democracy, as a system invented in the West, survive if we accept that culture determines how “universal” values, such as human rights, are interpreted?)

Moderator: Jiří Pehe, New York University, Prague

Panelists:Ted Magder , Culture and Communication Studies, Steinhardt School, NYUJiří Přibáň, Cardiff Law School, University of WalesDusan I. Bjelic, University of Southern MaineMichael J. Gilligan, Politics Department, New York University